On the afternoon of June 16, 2011, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei held a regular press conference.

Hong Lei started the press conference with the following announcements:

At the invitation of President Hu Jintao, President Bashir of the Republic of Sudan will pay a state visit to China from June 27 to 30.

During President Bashir's visit to China, both sides will deliberate on how to further consolidate bilateral traditional friendship, expand and deepen practical cooperation under new circumstances and will exchange views on North-South Peace Process as well as the Darfur issue. China is willing to play a positive role in promoting peace and reconciliation of Sudan as well as the overall implementation of Comprehensive Peace Agreement and safeguarding regional peace and stability.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orban of the Republic of Hungary, Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Chancellor Angela Merkel of the Federal Republic of Germany, Premier Wen Jiabao will pay an official visit to the above three countries from June 24 to 28.

During his visit, Premier Wen Jiabao will hold talks and meet with leaders of the three countries, exchanging views on bilateral relations, China-EU relations as well as international and regional issues of common interests. During his stay in the UK, Premier Wen Jiabao will hold annual meeting with Prime Minister Cameron. In Germany, Premier Wen Jiabao will co-chair the first round of China-Germany inter-governmental consultation with Chancellor Merkel. Premier Wen Jiabao's visit will further deepen China's mutually beneficial cooperation with the three countries and give a boost to China-EU relations.

Q: US Senator Schumer and others are drumming up support for a bill targeting RMB exchange rate. What is China's comment?

A: China firmly presses ahead with the reform of RMB exchange rate regime. A great many facts have proven that RMB exchange rate is not the major cause of China-US trade imbalance. We urge relevant US congressmen to realize the significance of China-US economic relations and trade and not to seek pretexts to impose protectionism on China so as to avoid hurting overall China-US economic and trade cooperation.

Q: Please brief us on the specifics of Sudanese President Bashir's visit to China.

A: During Sudanese President Bashir's visit to China, President Hu Jintao and other Chinese leaders will meet with him.

China and Sudan enjoy profound traditional friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than half a century ago, bilateral relations have maintained a sound and stable momentum of growth with abundant achievements of practical cooperation in various fields. Recent years have seen the two countries maintain exchanges at all levels, cement political mutual trust and continuously increase bilateral trade volume. Sudan has become China's third largest trading partner in Africa. Practical cooperation across the board is developing with increasingly intensified exchange and cooperation in fields including culture, education and health care. China-Sudan relations are based on solid foundation and of broad prospect.

China stands ready to work along with Sudan to further deepen bilateral traditional friendship, tap cooperation potential and continue to consolidate and develop bilateral friendly and cooperative relations.

Q: China reportedly closed the border to refugees from Myanmar. Please confirm. Besides, China has recently sent a maritime patrol ship to Singapore. Is this action conducive to peace and stability of the South China Sea?

A: On your first question, we follow closely the development of the situation in northern Myanmar and call on conflicting parties to exert calmness and restraint so as to avoid escalating the situation and to dissolve differences through peaceful negotiation.

Since the conflict boke out, some Myanmar residents living in the border area have come to China to live with their friends and relatives temporarily. China provides them with necessary assistance in conformity with common practices on the basis of humanitarianism. What you mentioned does not exist.

On your second question, the patrol ship "Haixun 31" of the Maritime Safety Administration of China headed for Singapore from Zhuhai on June 15 for a normal visit.

I would like to point out that China has been committed to resolving the South China Sea disputes through bilateral consultation with parties directly concerned and safeguarding peace and stability of the South China Sea with all relevant parties. China's stance in this regard does and will not change.

Q: Given the rising possibility of Greece's default, does China worry about its holding of Euro bonds? Will China take measures to help Greece tackle the current European debt crisis?

A: We hope Greece realize stability and development through cooperation with the EU and the international community, and believe that the Euro zone countries will realize stable economic growth.

Q: Please brief us on Mexican Central Bank Governor Carstens' visit to China and China's decision on the selection of IMF chief.

A: I have expounded on China's position in this regard many times.

As for the specific arrangements of Governor Carstens' visit, please refer to the competent authorities.

Q: It is reported that China and Russia will not be able to reach a consensus on natural gas supply in the near future. What is China's comment?

A: China-Russia energy cooperation is an important part of China-Russia relations. At present, enterprises from both sides are seeking common ground through friendly consultation.

Q: Vietnam said that it would carry on with its oil exploration in the South China Sea. What is China's comment?

A: China's position on the South China Sea issue is consistent and clear. We hope relevant countries work along with China to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and safeguard peace and stability of the South China Sea in real earnest.

Q: Please give us some details of the 30th China-EU Human Rights Dialogue.

A: China and the EU decide to hold the 30th Human Rights Dialogue today in Beijing. Heads of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of China's Foreign Ministry and the Asian Department of the European External Action Service will co-chair the Dialogue. The two sides will cover topics including progress in the field of human rights, rights of the minority and international human rights cooperation. Officials from China's diplomatic, judicial and ethnic authorities as well as the European External Action Service and EU delegations in China will attend the Dialogue.

China is willing to have in-depth exchange of views with the EU on relevant issues on the basis of equality and mutual respect, with a view to enhancing mutual understanding and broadening common ground.